Sussex all-rounder Rory Hamilton-Brown has been forced into an early retirement due to a wrist injury.

The 27-year-old suffered the injury early last summer but subsequent surgery, and rehabilitation, failed to fix the problem.

'It is with regret that I am having to retire from cricket. I would like to thank my family for their care and support over the course of my career,' he said.

Rory Hamilton-Brown has been forced into an early retirement due to a wrist injury

'I would also like to thank both Sussex and Surrey for giving me the chance to have the best job in the world for 10 years and all the coaches and staff that I have worked with along the way.

'It has been a privilege to play with and against some fantastic players and people all over the world. I will leave the game with a heavy heart but take with me many amazing memories and friends for life.'

Hamilton-Brown began his professional career at Sussex before moving to Surrey in 2010, where he was named their youngest captain for 138 years at the age of 22.

He left the Kia Oval, however, following the death of his close friend and team-mate Tom Maynard following an accident on the London Tube network in 2012. He then returned to Sussex on a three-year deal only for injury to strike.

'We're really sorry that Rory has had to retire from the game,' Sussex's professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said.

'He has always worked incredibly hard during his time at Sussex and has been a popular member of the club with players and staff alike.

'All we can do at this point is to wish him all the best for the next chapter in his life and we look forward to seeing him around the ground in a more social capacity for many years to come.'